TRAVERSE CITY -- Update: 10:45 p.m. Thursday - 7&4 Viewers raised $18,500 for the Cherryland Humane Society.

Original Story - You can help the Cherryland Humane Society continue its efforts at finding forever homes for dogs and cats by calling in and donating during a live phone bank Thursday.

TV 7&4 and ABC 29&8 will be hosting a fundraising phone bank for the animal shelter from 5:00-7:00 PM.

After serving the community for more than 50 years, the Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City could be forced to close its doors in the coming weeks.

In a press conference last week, the non-profit organization said they may need to close in mid June if they do not receive the funds they need to stay open.

An influx of animals due to the weakened economy throughout the past two years has contributed to additional expenses at the shelter.

"If the fundraiser fails, we'll have to stop receiving animals about the middle of the month somewhere around there. And we will stay open long enough to find homes for the cats and dogs that are here. And of that point, we'll be forced to close the doors," explained Jess Reed, Cherryland Humane Society's Board President.

If you can donate to help the shelter stay open, please call 1-877-897-9726 Thursday from 5-7PM.